Feeding the world

[grassfarmer]

As this is something often spoken about in these threads I thought I'd post this article written by a friend Darcy Goodrich. I think he produced a thought provoking article.

http://www.ethicalomnivore.org/a-farmers-obligation/

[rkaiser]

Well done master Goodrich.

[tweety]

We don't feed the world, we only feed the rich.

[charliep]

And the middle classes who build the stuff we use everyday. Canada provides resourses including food for workers and the rest of the world provides final products we put in our comfortable homes including the clothes on our back.

Perhaps the reality is North America doesn't feed the world. Market share of new exporters including Eastern European/FSU and South America has replaced us. That trend is likely to continue although will be a bumpy ride. Our choices will mean less and less to world markets.

[bucket]

So why are we being told to grow more?

Canola council wants 52 by 2025.

Some are all giggly about 100 bpa Faller wheat.

Why if we don't have market share?

Maybe if we didn't have this transportation issue we would have dome of those markets?

Chicken and egg stuff.

Which is more important better and more varieties that can't make it too market?

Or developing a system that allows Canadians that access to those markets?

Durum last year was bought up for a higher price for lower quality than the year before?

[charliep]

I see your comment often and I don't really understand it. More than anything, the Canola Council is suggesting this is what the size of the market will be in 10 years. We will actually get there? Don't know. Will Ukraine/Russia increase canola production and fill this demand? Don't know. Soybean oil that has canola health benefits bred into it? Don't know. That is the opportunity with the all the challenges.

You guys make production decisions every day based mainly on profitability but also elements of sustainability (third leg on that shaky stool). I assume you evaluate every dollar you spend to ensure it contributes to the bottom line. You also include weather risk in your decisions. At the end of the day as busines, best yields for the dollars spent puts the most money in your pocket. Good yields are better than poor yields.

Now as an industry, you agree to control production including signing up Mother nature, that is a different discussion. Nothing saying western Canada couldn't have a repeat of the 2002 drought over the next 5 years.

[bucket]

Who cares what size the market is?

producing 2025 crops with a 1950s transportation system is a recipe for disaster.

[foragefarmer]

Bucket

They all want you to grow more so they can make more, plan and simple. Those that make money off you want to continue to do so.

This feeding the world is becoming a very old line. The poor will keep on starving and there is always another area in the world to pickup the slack when it comes to demand.

Market shares are lost and gained every day by different suppliers, it all boils down to where's the best deal and the best profit.

[TOM4CWB]

We are blessed with a value adding industry like Canola Crushers...Pulse ingredients; that are world class innovative healthy food ingredient providers...

The international community appreciates our Building quality foods that are cutting edge with providing healthy options.!!!

[cottonpicken]

How is the hunger strike going?

Just want to say if you stop no one will think any less of you and i personally think you should stop.

[Braveheart]

Cotton, I agree regarding Tom.

Tom, CPCN isn't worth threatening your health. Really.

You have made a point and I agree that no one would think less of you if you quit now.

Once you're are through a ketosis state your body could experience some organ damage. Please don't let Hunter do that to you. He isn't worth it. He's just a shyster and will be moving on soon, although yesterday isn't soon enough.

[wilagro]

I'm sure that a video of Tom stumbling and weaving from hunger would sway the CNCP alliance in striving to correct the grain transportation boondoggle...Right?

Time will tell as to who or whom will prevail. I have a sneaky suspicion that the RRs will outlast Tom's resolve.

Anyway without increased public awareness Tom's protest will be in vain no matter what.
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